Statin alternatives

Posted by swilkins1974 @swilkins1974, Sep 22, 2025

Due to a 70% blockage in my LAD I had 2 stents inserted. I had no symptoms. I was put on Rosuvastatin and after a year of 5 mg was trying to increase. My statin levels were not at the level the cardio wanted. BUT they wanted me at the level as if I had had a heart attack. When trying to increase I went to feeling a few side effects to becoming a person who thought twice to climbing stairs and working out due to hip, back and leg pain. Foggy brain a bit too. Rosuvastatin was my third try of a different statin. I had border line high cholesterol before statins. So my question is, has anyone who has not had a heart attack but has stents just gone without a statin. I am sure my cardio will treat me like I am crazy to not take them, but what is worse, sitting around because you hurt or being active and happy.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

molliecarey1664 | @molliecarey1664 | 5 days ago

In reply to @molliecarey1664 "@jlharsh Honestly I would love it. I do have alot of allergies, but am willing to..." + (show)

And I need to update my intake of it also because I've done a lot of research and I think it's super healthy for many things!

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 4 days ago

In reply to @molliecarey1664 "@jlharsh Honestly I would love it. I do have alot of allergies, but am willing to..." + (show)

@molliecarey1664 love olive oil, use generously, and believe it’s helping my lipid numbers and probably others as well…it also slows up the ‘sugar’ rush from a piece of good French bread …

danpinkston24 | @danpinkston24 | 4 days ago

In reply to @sueinmn "@purl18 Like you, I could not tolerate statins. Since I am on Medicare with a good..." + (show)

@sueinmn follow up question: can you describe what "not tolerating" statin looked like? Did you feel flu-like? Sick for days? Post-exertional malaise? Or were you facing other problems?

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 4 days ago

Some people use red yeast rice for cholesterol, but my docs don’t recommend it to me.

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | 3 days ago

In reply to @nycmusic "Some people use red yeast rice for cholesterol, but my docs don’t recommend it to me." + (show)

@nycmusic I hear others having success using red yeast rice to lower their cholesterol as well.

Here is what Mayo Clinic says about it:
- Mayo Clinic Red Rice Yeast Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-red-yeast-rice/art-20363074
Does your doctor think red rice yeast is not a good choice, or does he think something unique to you does not make it a good option?

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 3 days ago

In reply to @jlharsh "@nycmusic I hear others having success using red yeast rice to lower their cholesterol as well...." + (show)

@jlharsh my doc is very careful about meds and supplements….i trust her…also, my osteopath feels the same…2 very helpful docs I listen to.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 3 days ago

In reply to @danpinkston24 "@sueinmn follow up question: can you describe what "not tolerating" statin looked like? Did you feel..." + (show)

@danpinkston24 Every statin I tried, even in very low doses, caused intense muscle cramping. It got so bad a few times that my leg would lock at a 90⁰ angle while I was walking around. The cramps were followed by days of intense aching that nothing relieved.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 2 days ago

Being active ! YES ! Being happy YES !! Both should have very positive impact on all health issues .

swilkins1974 | @swilkins1974 | 2 days ago

In reply to @sueinmn "@danpinkston24 Every statin I tried, even in very low doses, caused intense muscle cramping. It got..." + (show)

@sueinmn have you tried Repatha?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 2 days ago

In reply to @swilkins1974 "@sueinmn have you tried Repatha?" + (show)

@swilkins1974 I have been using repatha without a statin for 2 years. It works for me.

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